Hangeland happy with a point

23 October 2009 08:34

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// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Fulham's imposing defender Brede Hangeland does not believe his team-mates should see their 1-1 draw with Roma as a negative.

The Norwegian opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but his effort was not enough to secure victory with Marco Andreolli's injury-time volley securing a last-gasp share of the spoils.

The point ensures Fulham remain unbeaten in Group E and on course to qualify for the knock-out phase as they sit second behind Basle with three games played.

Although Fulham missed the chance to beat one of Serie A's finest, Hangeland believes his team-mates should focus on the positives rather than the negatives.

"We've come really close to beating a top-class team like Roma and then they score at the end," Hangeland told Sky Sports News.

Happy"There are a few disappointed players in the changing room, but overall I think we should be happy with a point."

The Cottagers also finished the match a man down after Stephen Kelly saw red for hauling down John Arne Riise, although Mark Schwarzer saved the ensuing penalty.

Hangeland believes it was harsh on Fulham to give Roma a penalty and send off Kelly, and he has also questioned the contribution and value of the extra match officials.

Surprisingly Hangeland was initially sent off as confusion reigned over the penalty incident and only after protests from Fulham's players and consultation with the newly introduced extra official behind the goal was the decision corrected.

"The referee made a decision. I think it was harsh to give a red card and a penalty," he continued.

"Luckily Mark saved it, but obviously it affected the way we defended the rest of the game with ten men.

"I'm a bit surprised by the official on the touchline. I don't know why he's there. If it's just to look if the ball is inside the net or not. He didn't seem to have an opinion on the situation."